GEOFFREY TIDMARSH

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GEOFFREY TIDMARSH

September 10, 1931 – July 18, 2023

On July 18, Geoff passed away very peacefully at the age of 91 years.

Geoff grew up in Pinna, Middlesex, England with his sister Jean. He spent many summers with his grandfather, a shepherd in the Cotswolds. He was an avid and life-long supporter of Watford Football Club since his boyhood. His first job was an introduction to commerce and following National Service with the Royal Air Force, he departed for Canada for a posting with The Hudson Bay Company. He met Nancy, a nurse in Big Trout Lake and after a short courtship went back to England, to Folkstone in Kent to be married. Following some time in Montreal, Geoff travelled with his devoted wife to many remote communities in Canada’s North, including Inuvik, in the arctic, as manager of the Bay Northern Stores. He remained a loyal HBC employee, took up residence in Winnipeg and completed his career as a District Manager. Geoff and Nancy made many friends and built lasting relationships in the northern communities and in Winnipeg. They enjoyed travelling together and marked their 55th wedding anniversary ten years ago. After retirement Geoff looked forward to weekly lunches with colleagues from the northern stores. He was a keen sports follower of his football and hockey, in 2021 his Watford FC was elevated to the Premier Division.

Sadly, Nancy developed Alzheimer’s, which progressed rapidly and Geoff cared for her at home for as long as possible. Geoff found it difficult to be on his own but found companionship in his cat, Monty. Geoff was a lifelong caregiver to cats, losing Roxy, Charlie Brown and Fredrica along the way. He stayed independent in his own home with help, until a fall took him into care and he spent his last years at Brightwater Senior Residences, having developed dementia.

Geoff was very organized in every aspect of his life; he liked everything to be in its place and no detail escaped him. He enjoyed sharing his experiences and knowledge of the north and he lost no opportunity to show visitors his collections of shaving mugs and Inuit art. Geoff was fond of Nancy’s nieces, Squibs and Lesley, who kept in touch with him from Wales and England, and appreciated Garry Brears, a Godson, who helped him and took care of his affairs. Special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Brightwater.

Per Geoffrey’s wishes cremation has taken place and he requested no formal ceremony. Should you wish to donate Geoff was a life long supported of the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home,

Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2023